Helmet mounting systems

ABSTRACT

Helmet mounts for mounting an associated viewing device on a helmet, includes a first pivoting segment for attachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associated viewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewing device in a first, operational position before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. In one aspect, the first pivoting segment includes a vertical adjust mechanism having a base plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate and defining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to the guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired position relative to the base plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser.No. 12/951,969 filed Nov. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,313, whichin turn, claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) basedon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/263,159 filed Nov. 20, 2009. Eachof the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is related to U.S. provisional application No.60/509,136 filed Oct. 6, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/959,906filed Oct. 6, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,370; U.S. application Ser.No. 11/804,813 filed May 21, 2007; U.S. provisional application No.60/928,239 filed May 8, 2007; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/117,704 filedMay 8, 2008; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/259,010 filed Oct. 27, 2008;and U.S. provisional application No. 61/168,789 filed Apr. 13, 2009.Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an improved system for mounting anoptical device to headgear such as a field helmet. Although the mountingsystems of the present disclosure can be used with all manner of viewingdevices, they are particularly suited for use with a night vision goggleor other device enabling effective viewing under night time or other lowlight conditions.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a helmet mount for mounting an associated viewing deviceon a helmet comprises a first pivoting segment for attachment to thehelmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associatedviewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to thefirst pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewingdevice in a first, operational position before the eyes of a userdonning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sightof a viewer donning the helmet. The first pivoting segment includes avertical adjust mechanism, the vertical adjust mechanism including abase plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate anddefining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached tothe guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying aclamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired positionrelative to the base plate.

In another aspect, a helmet mount for mounting an associated viewingdevice on a helmet comprises a helmet mount interface including a firstopening and a second opening and a first pivoting segment for removableattachment to the helmet mount interface. The first pivoting segmentincludes a rigid protrusion received within the first opening when thefirst pivoting segment is attached to the helmet mount interface and aresiliently movable protrusion received within the second opening whenthe first pivoting segment is attached to the helmet mount interface. Asecond pivoting segment provides for attachment to the associatedviewing device, the second pivoting segment pivotable relative to thefirst pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewingdevice in a first, operational position before the eyes of a userdonning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sightof a viewer donning the helmet.

In still another aspect, a helmet mount for mounting an associatedviewing device on a helmet comprises a first pivoting segment forattachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment tothe associated viewing device, wherein the second pivoting segment ispivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectivelysupporting the associated viewing device in a first, operationalposition before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second,stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. Ahinge pin defines a pivot axis and hingedly attaches the first pivotingsegment to the second pivoting segment, the hinge pin having one or moreresilient protrusions. The second pivoting segment including a pivotsleeve rotatably received about the pivot pin, the pivot sleeverotatably defining a channel having a first groove extending parallel tothe pivot axis and a second groove extending parallel to the pivot axis.The one or more resilient protrusions are removably received within thefirst groove when the second pivoting segment is moved to the first,operational position. The one or more resilient protrusions areremovably received within the second groove when the second pivotingsegment is moved to the second, stowed position.

In yet another aspect, a helmet mount for mounting an associated viewingdevice on a helmet comprises a first pivoting segment for attachment tothe helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to theassociated viewing device, wherein the second pivoting segment ispivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectivelysupporting the associated viewing device in a first, operationalposition before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second,stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. Amagnet is pivotally carried on a pivot arm on the second pivotingsegment and the pivot arm is pivotable under the influence of gravity tomove the magnet into proximity with a magnetically operated switch onthe associated viewing device when the associated viewing device isattached to the second pivoting segment and the second pivoting segmentis in the first, operational position. The pivot arm is pivotable underthe influence of gravity to move the magnet out of proximity with themagnetically operated switch on the associated viewing device when theassociated viewing device is attached to the second pivoting segment andthe second pivoting segment is in the second, stowed position.

In another aspect, a helmet mount for mounting an associated viewingdevice on a helmet comprises a first pivoting segment for attachment tothe helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to theassociated viewing device, wherein the second pivoting segment ispivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectivelysupporting the associated viewing device in a first, operationalposition before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second,stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet.The first pivoting segment includes a pivot arm and a base plateremovably attachable to the pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first set oflocking teeth and the base plate having a second set of locking teeth,the first set of locking teeth aligned and facing with the second set oflocking teeth when the pivot arm is attached to the base plate. Thefirst set of locking teeth is capable of intermeshing with the secondset of locking teeth at a plurality of positions, wherein each of theplurality of positions is selectable by a user to position theassociated viewing device at a desired vertical position relative to aneye of a user when the associated viewing device is attached to thesecond pivoting segment and the second pivoting segment is in the first,operable position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements ofcomponents, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawingsare only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are notto be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded isometric view taken from the front sideof a helmet having a helmet mount system according to a first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric view taken from the front sideof a helmet having a helmet mount system according to a second exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged, partially exploded front perspective view of themounting assembly 112 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B is an end view of the mounting assembly 112 shown in FIGS. 1 and2.

FIG. 4A illustrates a non-breakaway interface base according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view illustrating the non-breakaway interfacebase shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a breakaway interface base according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view illustrating the breakaway interface baseshown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a vertical adjustment mechanism according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an exploded view illustrating the vertical adjustmentmechanism shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a manuallylocked vertical adjustment mechanism according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating a serrated interface baseaccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded view illustrating a generally permanentlyattached helmet mounting system according to a third exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view illustrating a generallypermanently attached helmet mounting system according to a fourthexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B are partially exploded views illustrating afurther helmet mount embodiment including a force to overcome mechanismfor moving the viewing device between the viewing and stowed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing FIGURES, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like or analogous components throughout the several views, andwith particular reference to FIG. 1, there appears a first exemplaryhelmet mounting system embodiment 100 of the present invention. Thehelmet mounting system 100 includes a connection plate assembly 104attached to the front portion of a helmet 108. A pivoting helmet mountassembly 112 is removably attached at a first end to the connectionplate 104 and includes a second end adapted to be removably attached toa viewing or sighting device (not shown), such as an optical device,monocular or binocular night vision goggle, binoculars, helmet mounteddisplay screen, head-up display or any other helmet mounted optical,electro-optical or other viewing device.

The mounting plate 104 couples to the helmet 108 utilizing a mechanicalfastener 148 such as a threaded fastener or the like. Also, a pair oflaterally spaced-apart hook members 150 engages the brim of the helmet,thereby providing three points of attachment of the mounting plate 104.Commonly, military helmets are provided with a single hole predrilled inthe front thereof and the embodiment 100 is advantageous in that it mayreadily be adapted to employ such a predrilled hole for receiving thefastener 148.

The helmet mounting system 100 also includes an optional lanyard 116which may be secured to the bracket via an optional lanyard interface onthe bracket 104. The lanyard 116 may include a clip 117 for removableattachment to an attached optical device and an extendable/retractablecord or cable. While the lanyard and lanyard interface are optional, theuse of a lanyard may be advantageous in preventing damage to the opticaldevice, not shown, in the event it becomes disengaged from the helmetmount 112.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there appears an alternative exemplary helmetmounting system embodiment 200 of the present invention. The helmetmounting system 200 includes a connection plate assembly 204 attached tothe front portion of a helmet 108. A pivoting helmet mount assembly 112is removably attached at a first end to the connection plate 204 and hasa second end for attachment to a sighting device, not shown. Themounting plate 204 couples to the helmet 108 utilizing mechanicalfasteners 248, such as screws, rivets, clips, dogs, pawls, or the like.

The purpose of the mounting systems herein is to position a sightingdevice so that it is movable between an operational or viewing positionin front of an eye or eyes of the user, and a stowed position above theline of sight of the user, thereby allowing the operator to repositionthe sighting device without the need to remove the helmet or to removethe viewing device from the mount.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and with continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the pivoting helmet mount assembly 112 includes a helmetinterface assembly 120 that interfaces with the mounting plates 104 (seeFIG. 1) or 204 (see FIG. 2). The mounting plates 104 and 204 containguide rails 132 and 232, a first opening, e.g., defined by lower groovelips 134 and 234, and a second opening, e.g., defined by upper groovelips 135 and 235, respectively. The mounting assembly 120 embodimentshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B includes a base member 124 and has a verticaladjust plate assembly 160 secured thereto, e.g., via fasteners 161 and163. The base member 124 includes a locking tongue 128 and side walls130. The side walls 130 mate with guide rails 132 and 232 formed onplates 104 and 204, respectively. A locking tongue 128 engages lowergroove lips 134 and 234 of mounting plates 104 and 204, respectively,and a tension member 140 such as a spring may be provided to preventmovement or rattling between mounting assembly 120 and plate 104 and204.

The helmet mount assembly 112 includes a sliding plate 152 which slidesvertically with respect to the vertical adjust plate 160. The slidingplate 152 is slidably received over locking rails 162 disposed on theplate 160. A cover plate 146 is secured to the open end of the slidingplate 152 to prevent debris from entering the space between the slidingplate 152 and the vertical adjustment plate 160, which may interferewith the sliding movement of the plates 152 and 160 of the helmet mountassembly 112. The sliding plate 152 is selectively positionable relativeto the plate 160 to provide a vertical adjustment of the optical devicerelative to the eyes of the wearer and is described in greater detailbelow. Soft tipped set screws 409 may be provided on the pivot mechanismas described in greater below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown the helmet interfaceassembly 120 for securing the pivoting helmet mount 112 to the helmet108 via the connection plate assembly 104 (FIG. 1) or 204 (FIG. 2). Thehelmet mount assembly 120 has an interface base member 124 with a firstchannel 164, a second channel 166 and recesses 168. The first channel164 receives a tension member 140, such as a captured spring, which issecured in the channel 164 by a locking tongue member 154. A first endof the locking tongue member 154 engages the tension member 140 and asecond end includes a transverse groove or recess 127 and a lockingtongue 128. An actuator bar 156 slides into recesses 168 of theinterface base 124 and a recess 127 of the locking tongue member 154,thereby securing the tongue member 154 into the channel 164 incooperation with pins 165 and 167 engaging aligned openings 169 and 171in the base member 124 and locking tongue 154, respectively. Theactuator bar 156 has elongated openings 158 engaging pins 165 and anelongated opening 159 engaging pin 167. The elongated openings 158 and159 allow sliding movement of the actuator 156 and cooperates with thetension of member 140 to enable the locking tongue member 154 to bemoved from an open position to a locked or engaged position wherein thelocking tongue 128 protrudes out from the helmet interface assembly 120.The elongate openings 158 extend transversely and the pins 165 constrainthe sliding movement of the actuator 156 to transverse movement. Theopening 159 extends at an angle relative to the transverse openings 158.As the pin 167 runs in the angled opening 159, the tongue member 154 isselectively advanced and retracted. The ends of the elongate openings158 may be slightly enlarged such that the spring tension will assist inretaining the actuator 156 in the selected one of the locked andunlocked positions.

When the locking tongue 128 is moved into its engaged position, thehelmet interface assembly 120 can be secured to the connection plateassembly 104 or 204. FIG. 4A shows locking tongue 128 in the engagedposition. To secure the mount assembly 120 to the plate assembly 104 or204, a user would squeeze the actuator bar 156, e.g. against the urgingof the tension member 140, insert protrusion 170 into the upper groovelip 135 or 235, press mounting assembly 120 into place on plate assembly104 or 204, and then release actuator bar 156. When actuator bar 156 isreleased, the locking tongue 128 moves to its engaged position andengages the lower groove lip 134 or 234.

The second channel 166 contains an opening 118 for receiving a dampeningmember 126. The dampening member 126 may be a pad, grommet, or otherflexible or resilient dampening member to decrease noise or vibrationbetween the helmet interface assembly 120 and the connection plateassemblies 104 or 204. Other flexible or resilient dampening members maybe provided at other points of contact as well.

The non-breakaway helmet interface assembly 120 may advantageously beselected in instances where it is desired to prevent inadvertentdislodging of an attached optical device from the helmet, e.g., whereloss of the optical device is possible or where the operator may besubject to high accelerational or G forces.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown an alternativeembodiment helmet interface assembly 120 a with a breakaway actuator 122enabling the pivoting helmet mount 112 to separate from the helmetinterface assembly 120 a when sufficient force is applied. The breakawaysetting as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is advantageous in that it mayprevent injury to the wearer in the event of entanglement or impact ofthe optical device.

The helmet mount assembly 120 a has an interface base member 124 a witha channel 174 and recesses 178. The channel 174 receives a tensionmember 140 which is secured in channel 164 by a locking tongue member154 a. An actuator bar 156 slides into recesses 178 and the recess oflocking tongue 128 securing the tongue member 154 a into channel 174.The actuator bar 156 has elongated openings 158 and 159. The openings158 and 159 and the tension of member 140 enable the locking tonguemember 154 a to be moved from an open position to a locked or engagedposition where locking tongue 128 protrudes out from the helmetinterface assembly 120.

When the locking tongue 128 is moved into its engaged position thehelmet interface assembly 120 a can be secured to the connection plateassembly 104 or 204. FIG. 5A shows locking tongue 128 in the engagedposition. To secure the mount assembly 120 a to the plate assembly 104or 204 a user would squeeze actuator bar 156, insert protrusion 170 intothe upper groove lip 135 or 235, press mounting assembly 120 a intoplace on plate assembly 104 or 204 and then release actuator bar 156.When actuator bar 156 is released, the locking tongue 128 moves to itsengaged position and engages the lower groove lip 134 or 234.

In addition, the locking tongue member 154 a has a tooth 176 forengaging a profiled or stepped groove 182 on the breakaway actuator 122.The breakaway actuator 122 is transversely slidable. When the breakawayactuator 122 is moved to lower step portion of the profile 182, thetongue 128 extends sufficiently far into the lower groove lip (134, 234)so as to provide a substantially rigid, nonbreakaway connection. Whenthe tooth 176 engages the upper step portion of the profile 182, thetongue 128 is retracted slightly such that a ramped or inclined edgeportion of the tongue 128 engages the lower groove lip (134, 234). Theramped surface allows further sliding movement of the tongue 128 againstthe urging of the spring 140 upon the application of a breakaway force.If sufficient force is applied, the breakaway actuator 122 will releasefrom assembly 120 a to prevent injury to the wearer.

The channel 174 also contains an opening 118 for a dampening member 126.The dampening member 126 may be a pad, grommet, or other flexible orresilient dampening member to decrease noise or vibration between thehelmet interface assembly 120 a and the connection plate assemblies 104or 204. Other flexible or resilient dampening members may be provided atother points of contact as well. A ball detent assembly 180 sits withinrecess 184 of channel 174. The ball detent assembly 180 holds thebreakaway actuator 122 within the channel 174 when tooth 176 is in theopen position and no force is applied to the breakaway actuator 122.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown the verticaladjustment assembly 300 having a first pivot arm 304, a second pivot arm308 and a pivot pin assembly 316. The second pivot arm 308 is pivotallyattached to the first pivot arm 304. The second pivot arm 308 includesan outer, generally cylindrical sleeve 320 which rotates with respect toa pivot pin assembly 316. The pivot pin assembly 316 includes a centralrod 324 coaxial with the pivot axis and carrying a protruding pin 326received within opening 327. A generally cylindrical sleeve or bushing330 is coaxially disposed intermediate the sleeve 320 and the axial rod324. The bushing 330 includes an elongated slot 332 through which thepin 326 extends. The central rod 324 is movable in the axial directionagainst the urging of a captured coaxial spring 334 whereby the pin 326may travel within the slot 332. Soft-tipped set screws 409, which may bee.g., brass, stainless steel or other metal set screws having nylon orother soft tips, may be received within threaded openings on the pivotarm 308 and may be selectively advanced to bear against the sleeve 330to reduce maintain a relatively tight or rattle free fit between thepivot arm 308 and the sleeve 330. For example, the set screws 409 may betightened as necessary to compensate for any looseness in the pivotmechanism as may occur over time through wear.

The outer sleeve 320 further includes a generally U-shaped slot 336 intowhich the pin 326 extends. The U-shaped slot 336 includes a rear axiallyextending leg 340, a front axially extending leg 342, and a base 344extending in the radial direction between the legs 340 and 342. The pin326 engages the rear leg portion 340 of the U-shaped slot 336 when theoptical device (not shown) is in the operational position. Manuallydepressing the central rod 324 and allowing the arm 308 to pivot withrespect to the arm 304. Upon pivoting the unit and releasing the rod324, the pin 326 travels to the front leg 342 whereby the optical deviceis retained in a flipped-up position. In a preferred embodiment, theelongated slot 332 and the legs 340 and 342 are tapered such that theywiden toward the base 344 to provide a wedging action on the pin 326 andto provide ease of operation during the pivoting operation.

An angle or tilt adjustment knob 346 includes a threaded rod 348rotatably engaging a mating threaded opening 350 in the pivot arm 304.The arm 304 rotates relative to plate 312, which includes an elongate orcurvate opening or slot 352 receiving the threaded rod 348. Looseningthe knob 346 allows adjustment of the optics to a desired tilt angleaccording to the user's eye position and a desired line of sight,whereby the tilt angle may then be secured in the desired position bytightening the knob 346.

A vertical adjustment lever 360 includes a threaded screw 362 whichtravels through an opening 364 and engages a cam lock 366. A springwasher, e.g., a Belleville spring washer, is interposed between thelever 360 and the central chassis 152, which is compressed to provide alocking tension when the lever 360 is pivoted to the locked position anduncompressed when the lever is in the unlocked position. The cam lock366 interfaces with the vertical adjustment plate 160 of a helmetinterface assembly 120.

When the lever 360 is in the unlocked position, the elongate dimensionof the cam lock 364 extends parallel to the channel defined between theparallel rails 162 allowing the assembly 152 to slide freely up and downto provide an infinitely adjustable vertical adjustment mechanism. Inaddition, the tension is released in the spring washer 365, allowing thecam lock 364 to move slightly upward. When the assembly 152 is at adesired vertical position relative to the plate 160 (e.g., when anattached viewing device is at the correct vertical position relative tothe eyes of the user, the lever 360 is pivoted to the locked position.

When the lever 360 is turned to the locked position, the cam lock 366interacts with the locking rails 162 of plate 160 securing the verticaladjustment assembly 300 in the desired position. In the depictedpreferred embodiment, the cam lock 36 has ears 367 extending in theelongate direction of the cam lock 364. The rails 162 cooperate with theplate 160 to define a generally T-shaped channel. The rails 162 mayinclude a ramped or beveled edge to facilitate sliding movement of theears 367 into the T channel as the lever 360 is rotated to the lockedposition. As the cam lock 364 is rotated, the ramped surface of the Tchannel draws the cam lock 364 downward, compressing the spring washer367 and thus providing a tensioning force to secure the lever 360 in thelocked position. As an alternative to or in addition to the rampedsurface of the T channel defined by the rails 162, the ears 367 couldalso be ramped or beveled to facilitate movement into the T-channel asthe lever 360 is pivoted to the locked position.

Movement of the vertical adjustment assembly 300 enables adjustment ofthe vertical position of an optical device relative to the wear's eyeposition and desired line of sight. Once a desired vertical position islocated, the lever 360 is moved back to a locked position and the camlock 366 engages with locking rails 162 preventing vertical movement ofthe assembly 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown an alternative embodimentpivoting helmet mount assembly 112 a including a manually set and lockhelmet interface assembly 420, described in greater detail below,secured to a first pivot arm 404 of a pivoting helmet mount 410. Thefirst pivot arm 404 is pivotally attached to a second pivot arm 408. Thefirst pivot arm 404 includes a back member 422 having locking serrationsor teeth 424.

The helmet interface assembly 420 is comprised of a lower interface base428 and an upper serrated plate 430. When the lower interface base 428is secured to the upper serrated plate 430, locking screw slots 426 arecreated. The locking serrations 424 of the back member 422 intermeshwith the locking serrations 432 of the upper serrated plate 430 when thehelmet interface assembly 420 is secured to the pivoting helmet mount410. The pivoting helmet mount 410 is secured to the helmet interfaceassembly using locking screws 434. The locking screws 434 travel throughopenings 436 and slots 426 and are secured to threaded T-nuts receivedin the slots 426. A desired vertical position of the optical deviceattached to the pivoting helmet mount 410 is selected by positioning theteeth 424 at a desired position along the upper serrated plate 430. Thedevice will remain at the selected vertical position unless and untilthe user loosens or removes the locking screws 434 and repositions thevertical position on the helmet interface assembly 420.

The second pivot arm 408 includes an outer, generally cylindrical sleeve320 which rotates with respect to a pivot pin assembly 316. The pivotpin assembly 316 includes a central rod 324 coaxial with the pivot axisand carrying a protruding pin 326. A generally cylindrical sleeve orbushing 330 is coaxially disposed intermediate the sleeve 320 and theaxial rod 324. The bushing 330 includes an elongated slot 332 throughwhich the pin 326 extends. The central rod 324 is movable in the axialdirection against the urging of a captured coaxial spring 334 wherebythe pin 326 may travel within the slot 332.

The outer sleeve 320 further includes a generally U-shaped slot 336 intowhich the pin 326 extends. The U-shaped slot 336 includes a rear axiallyextending leg 340, a front axially extending leg 342, and a base 344extending in the radial direction between the legs 340 and 342. The pin326 engages the rear leg portion 340 of the U-shaped slot 336 when theoptical device is in the operational position. Manually depressing thecentral rod 324 allows the arm 308 to pivot with respect to the arm 304.Upon pivoting the unit and releasing the rod 324, the pin 326 travels tothe front leg 342 whereby the optical device is retained in a flipped-upposition. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated slot 332 and the legs340 and 342 are tapered such that they widen toward the base 344 toprovide a wedging action on the pin 326 and to provide ease of operationduring the pivoting operation.

The second pivot arm 408 of interface base 410 attaches to a pair ofrails 138 extending in the horizontal position (when the helmet is wornby a user and the optical device is in the operation, i.e., flippeddown, position). A sliding carriage 136 is movable along the slide rails138 to allow the user to horizontally position the optical device at acomfortable or desired focal distance from the operator's eyes. At leastone of the slide rails 138 (both in the depicted embodiment as seen inFIGS. 3, 7, and 9) contain a series of locking teeth 142 along itslength for engaging an internal locking member such as a toothed member,pin, or the like, to provide secure retention at a selected position.Release buttons 144, biased toward the locked position, may be manuallydepressed to disengage the locking members to allow sliding movement ofthe carriage 136 until the optics are positioned at a desired focalposition in front of the user's eye(s). Threaded fasteners 411 securethe slide rails 138 to the second pivot arm 408.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the manually set and lock helmetinterface assembly 420 of the pivoting helmet mount 112 a shown in FIG.7. The helmet mount assembly 420 has a lower interface base 428 and anupper serrated plate 430. The lower interface base 428 has a centerchannel 438 and two locking screw slots 426. The center channel 438receives a tension member 440 which is secured in channel 438 by alocking tongue member 442. A first end of the locking tongue memberengages the tension member 440 and a second end includes a channel 127and a tongue 128. An actuator bar 156 slides into the recess 127 oflocking tongue member 442 as well as transversely disposed recesses 468which are created when the lower interface base 428 and the upperserrated plate 430 are secured together via threaded fasteners 469. Theactuator bar 156 has elongated openings 158 and 159 receiving pins 465and 467, respectively. The openings 158 and 159, and the tension ofmember 440 enable the locking tongue member 442 to be moved from an openposition to a locked or engaged position where the locking tongue 128protrudes out from the helmet interface assembly 420.

When the locking tongue 128 is moved into its engaged position, thehelmet interface assembly 420 can be secured to the connection plateassembly 104 or 204. To secure the mount assembly 420 to the plateassembly 104 or 204 a user would squeeze actuator bar 156, e.g., tocompress the tension member 440, insert protrusion 170 into the uppergroove lip 135 or 235, press mounting assembly 420 into place on plateassembly 104 or 204, and then release actuator bar 156. When theactuator bar 156 is released, the locking tongue 128 moves to itsengaged position and engages the lower groove lip 134 or 234.

The upper serrated plate 430 also has two locking screw slots 427, whichaligned with the slots 426, as well as locking serrations or teeth 432.The upper serrated plate 430 provides a cover for the internal lockingmechanism which includes the tension member 440, the locking tonguemember 442, and the actuator bar 156. The locking serrations 432 on theupper serrated plate 430 mate with the locking teeth 424 on the firstpivot arm 404 at a desired position therealong to provide a correctalignment of an attached optical device with the eye or eyes of theuser, as described above. It is also contemplated that the lockingserrations 424 could also be used to enable the user to mount otherdevices, such as flashlights and cameras, to the secured helmetinterface assembly 420.

The back of lower interface base 428 may also include a dampening member444. The dampening member 444 may be a pad, grommet, or other flexibleor resilient dampening member to decrease noise or vibration between thehelmet interface assembly 420 and the connection plate assemblies 104 or204.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a further embodiment helmetmount 500, including a connection plate assembly 502, a helmet interfaceassembly 504, a vertical adjustment assembly 508, and a sliding carriage512. Prior to securing the connection plate assembly 502 to a helmet(not shown) the helmet interface assembly 504 is first secured to theconnection plate assembly 502. As the interface assembly 504 is beingsecured to the plate assembly 502, threaded grommets 516 are insertedthrough the lower interface base 530 into each of the locking screwslots 518. Once the threaded grommets 516 are in place, the helmetinterface assembly 504 can be secured to the plate assembly 502 viathreaded fasteners 520 and 522. After the helmet interface assembly 504is secured to the plate assembly 502, the plate assembly 502 may besecured to the helmet (not shown) via three threaded fasteners 514.

The vertical adjustment assembly 508 is then positioned to the desiredvertical position and secured via locking screws 526 to the plateassembly 502 and interface assembly 504. Complimentary locking teeth(not visible in FIG. 9) may be provided on the rearward facing surfaceof the member 508, as described above, to intermesh at a desiredvertical position on the serrated plate 532. The locking screws 526 passthrough the openings 524 in the adjustment assembly 508, through theelongate locking screw slots 518 and are screwed into the threadedgrommets 516, thereby locking the vertical adjustment assembly 508 intothe desired position. If the user wants to adjust the vertical alignmentof the optical device attached to the helmet mounting system 500 he willhave to remove locking screws 526, readjust the position, and reinsertthe locking screws 526.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a further embodiment helmetmount 600, including a connection plate assembly 602, a helmet interfaceassembly 604, a vertical adjustment assembly 608, and a sliding carriage612. The helmet interface assembly has a base plate 616 and lockingrails 618. The base plate 616 and locking rails 618 are secured to theconnection plate assembly 602 via threaded fasteners 620. Once thehelmet interface assembly 604 has been secured to the plate assembly602, the plate assembly 602 is secured to a helmet (not shown) via threethreaded fasteners 622.

The vertical adjustment assembly 608 may be as described above inreference to FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B and now described in further detail.The vertical adjustment assembly 608 has a sliding plate 624 in which acam lock 626 sits. When the cam lock 626 is in the release position thesliding plate 624 of the vertical adjustment assembly 608 is able toslide over locking rails 618. Once the vertical adjustment assembly 608has been slid into place a cover 628 is secure to the top of the slidingplate 624 to prevent debris getting into the sliding plate 624 openingand interfering with vertical movement of the vertical adjustmentassembly 608.

A vertical moving lever (not shown) travels through opening 630 androtatably engages the cam lock 626. The cam lock 626 interfaces with thelocking rails 618. When the lever is turned to the locked position, thecam lock 626 interacts with the locking rails 618 securing the verticaladjustment assembly 608 in the desired position. If the lever is movedto the released position, the cam lock 626 disengages from the lockingrails 618 enabling the wearer to vertically move the vertical adjustmentassembly 608. Once a desired vertical position is located the lever ismoved back to a locked position and the cam lock 626 re-engages withlocking rails 618 preventing vertical movement of the assembly 608.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there appears yet a further embodimenthelmet mount 700, which includes a first pivoting segment 702 forattachment to the front of a helmet and a second pivoting segment 703for attachment to a viewing device.

The first pivoting segment 702 may be substantially as described above,e.g., by way of reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, except wherein the pushbutton mechanism for moving the mount between the operative, viewingposition, and the folded, stowed position has been replaced with aforce-to-overcome mechanism. The first pivoting segment 702 depicted inFIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B is a non-breakaway mount, although in alternativeembodiments, the embodiment of FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B may modified toincorporate a breakaway feature as detailed above.

The force to overcome mechanism includes a pivot pin 705 extendingthrough a transversely extending pivot sleeve 707 carried on the secondpivoting segment 703. The sleeve 707 includes first and secondtransversely extending channels or grooves 708 a and 708 b. The pivotpin 705 also extends through openings in pivot arms 304 in the firstpivoting segment to connect the first and second pivoting segments 702,703 in hinged fashion.

The pivot pin 705 includes one or more bores 706 (two in the embodimentshown) extending transversely with respect to the pivot axis 711. Eachof the bores 706 includes one or more (four in the embodiment shown)spring washers (e.g., wave disc springs, Belleville washers, curved discsprings, etc.) seated with the respective bore 706. Each bore includes aplug 712 seated over the wave springs to capture the wave springs withthe bore 706. Each of the plugs 712 includes a radiused upper (in theorientation shown in FIG. 11) protrusion 713. The plugs 712 are sizedsuch that the protrusions 713 will be urged upwardly and, absent anybiasing force opposing the spring force of the spring washers 710 willstand proud of the outer surface of the pivot pin 705. The transversesides of the protrusions 713 may be beveled to facilitate insertion ofthe pivot pin 705 carrying the plugs 712 into the sleeve 707. The pivotpin 705 does not rotate relative to the first pivoting segment 702 byvirtue of the threaded rod 348 engaging opening 350 a in the facing oneof the arms 304. The rod 348 secures the tilt adjustment knob 346engaging an elongate or eccentric opening 352 a in pivot plate 704. Theoperation of the tilt adjust mechanism is as detailed above.

In operation, the second pivoting segment 703 is manually pivotablerelative to the first pivoting segment 702 about the pivot pin 705. Thesecond pivoting segment may be pivoted downward until the protrusions713 engage the channel 708 b formed in the inner wall of the sleeve 707.The spring washers 710 urge the protrusions 710 into the channel 708 bto secure the mount in the operative deployed position wherein theassociated goggle will be positioned in front of the eye(s) of the user.When it is desired to move the goggles to the stowed position, thewearer applies a pivoting force to the goggles. When the force appliedis sufficient to overcome the spring force of the spring washers 710,the plugs 712 will be moved inwardly against the urging of the springwashers. The goggles may be pivoted upward until the protrusions 713 arealigned with the channel 708 a at which time the spring washers 710 willurge the protrusions 713 into the channel 708 a and provide positiveretention of the goggles in the stowed position. In a preferredembodiment, the channels 708 a and 708 b have a first curved radius andthe protrusions 713 have a second radius, wherein the radius of theprotrusions 713 is slightly larger than the radius of the channels 708a, 708 b.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, and with continued reference to FIGS. 11 and12B, there appears an exemplary goggle device 814 having a mounting hornor foot 818, e.g., a generally tapered or pyramidical mounting horn orfoot which is removably received within a complimentary mounting shoe801 carried on the sliding carriage 736. The sliding carriage 736 isslidable received on a sliding arm 138 which, in turn, is secured to theupper carriage portion 712 via threaded fasteners 411. The uppercarriage portion 736 includes a button 144 which allows the carriage toslide fore and aft along the sliding rail arm 138 when the button 144 isdepressed to adjust the viewing device 814 to a desired focal distancein front of the eyes of the viewer. Soft-tipped set screw 822 may beprovided in the upper carriage housing 712, received in threadedopenings therein and bearing against the rail 138. The set screws 822may be selectively tightened as necessary to prevent rattling orlooseness between the sliding carriage and the rails, for example, asmay occur over time through wear.

As best seen in FIG. 12B, the mounting shoe 801 includes an outerhousing 804 and an inner housing 802. The inner housing 802 defines acavity for receiving the horn 818. The horn 818 includes alocking/unlocking lever 836 which engages a complimentary latch 834within the shoe 801. For example, the lever 836 may be a spring biasedlever engaging, for example, a protrusion on the latch member 834.Manipulation of the lever 836 by depressing the lever 836 against thebias of the biasing spring (not shown) releases the lever 836 from thelatch member 834 allowing removal of the horn 818 from the shoe 801. Theinner and outer housing members 801, 804 are preferably formed of anonmagnetically attractive material, such as aluminum, plastic, etc.

Because the carriage member 736 may obscure direct manual access to thelocking/unlocking lever 836 provided on the device 814, an actuator 820for actuating the lever 836 may be provided on the carriage member 836.In the illustrated embodiment, a release actuator 820 includes a manualbutton portion 826 and is pivotally attached to the upper carriagemember 712 about a pivot axis 824. A spring 832 is captured between aspring seat portion 825 on the actuator 820 and the upper carriagehousing 824. The actuator 820 also includes a cantilevered arm 828 witha downward extending (in the depicted orientation) tooth 830. The tooth830 engages the lever 836 on the device 814. Upon depression/pivoting ofthe actuator 826 against the bias of the spring 830, the tooth 830 onthe cantilevered arm 828 depresses the lever 836, thus disengaging thelever 836 from the latch 834 and allowing removal of the horn 818 fromthe shoe 801.

A magnet pivot arm 806 carrying a magnet 808 is disposed between theinner mounting shoe housing 802 and the outer mounting shoe housing 804.The magnet 808 may be a spherical magnet, and is preferably a rare earthmagnet, although other ferrite or ceramic magnet types are alsocontemplated. The arm includes an opening 812 pivotally receiving apivot pin or post 810, such that the arm 806 may swing under theinfluence of gravity within the space defined between the inner andouter housing sections 802 and 804, respectively. In operation, the arm812 swings under the influence of gravity so that when the secondpivoting segment is moved to the viewing position, the magnet movesdownward to a position adjacent a reed switch, Hall effect sensor, orother magnetic proximity sensor 816 on the viewing device 814. When themagnet is in proximity with the reed switch or like switch or sensor,the unit 814 is powered on. When the second pivoting segment is moved toupward to the stowed position, the magnet swings under the influence ofgravity away from the switch/sensor 816. When the magnet is out ofproximity with the reed switch or like switch or sensor, the unit 814 ispowered off. In this manner, the unit 814 is automatically powered offwhen the mount is moved to the stowed position, thereby conservingbattery life of the unit 814.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It isintended that the invention be construed as including these and othermodifications and alterations. All references cited herein areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is nowclaimed to be:
 1. A helmet mount apparatus for attaching an associatedviewing device to helmet having a helmet mount interface having a firstopening and a second opening, the helmet mount apparatus comprising: afirst pivoting segment for removable attachment to the helmet mountinterface, said first pivoting segment including a rigid protrusionconfigured to be received within the first opening when the firstpivoting segment is attached to the helmet mount interface and aresiliently movable protrusion configured to be received within thesecond opening when the first pivoting segment is attached to the helmetmount interface; a second pivoting segment for attachment to theassociated viewing device, the second pivoting segment pivotablerelative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting theassociated viewing device in a first, operational position before theeyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above aline of sight of a viewer donning the helmet; an actuator coupled tosaid resilient protrusion and movable between a first, locked position,and a second, unlocked position; a tension member configured to urgesaid resiliently movable protrusion into the second opening when thefirst pivoting segment is attached to the helmet mount interface and theactuator is in the locked position; and said actuator configured to movesaid resiliently movable protrusion out of the second opening againstthe urging of said tension member when the first pivoting segment isattached to the helmet mount interface and the actuator is moved theunlocked position.
 2. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: said first pivoting segment including a vertical adjustmechanism, said vertical adjust mechanism including a base plate, a pairof guide rails attached to said base plate and defining a channeltherebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to said guide rails, aclamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to securesaid sliding plate at a desired position relative to said base plate. 3.The helmet mount apparatus of claim 2, wherein said vertical adjustmentmechanism is continuously adjustable.
 4. The helmet mount apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein each of said guide rails is slidably received within acomplimentary groove formed in said sliding plate.
 5. The helmet mountapparatus of claim 2, wherein said clamping mechanism includes: a levermanually pivotable between a first, locked position and a second,unlocked position; a spring washer disposed between said lever and saidsliding plate; a cam lock attached to said lever and extending throughan opening in said sliding plate, said cam lock received within saidchannel; said guide rails cooperating with said base portion to define apair of grooves formed in opposing walls of said channel; said cam lockhaving an elongate cam member wherein a long dimension of the cam lockextends parallel to said channel when the lever is in the unlockedposition, whereby said cam lock does not extend into said grooves and isfreely slidable, said guide rails having a chamfered surface for cammingsaid cam member into said grooves against the urging of said springwasher to compress the spring washer and thereby provide a clampingforce between the base plate and the sliding plate when the lever isrotated to the locked position.
 6. The helmet mount apparatus of claim2, further comprising: a viewing device mounting member attached to saidsecond pivoting segment, said viewing device mounting member removablyattachable to the associated viewing device.
 7. The helmet mountapparatus of claim 6, further comprising: said second pivoting segmentincluding said viewing device mounting member slidably mounted thereon;and a locking and unlocking mechanism for selectively locking saidviewing device mounting member at a desired position along said secondpivoting segment to provide a generally horizontal fore and aftadjustment of the associated viewing device relative to the eyes of auser when the mounting device is in an operational position.
 8. Thehelmet mount apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a tilt adjustmentmechanism for adjusting a tilt position of the associated viewing devicerelative to an eye of a user.
 9. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: means for allowing the first pivoting segment todisengage from the helmet mount interface upon the application of apredetermined force.
 10. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a breakaway actuator movable between a first, nonbreakawayposition and a second, breakaway position, said breakaway actuatorincluding an opening having a stepped profile; said resiliently movableprotrusion including a pin passing through said opening and runningalong said stepped profile; said resiliently movable protrusionincluding a beveled edge, wherein movement of said breakaway actuator tothe nonbreakaway position moves said beveled edge away from contact witha lip on the helmet mount interface defining the first opening andmovement of said breakaway actuator to the breakaway position moves saidbeveled edge into contact with the lip defining said first opening, saidbeveled edge providing an inclined surface to facilitate movement ofsaid resilient protrusion against the urging of said tension member tocause removal of said first pivoting segment from said helmet mountinterface upon the application of a predetermine force when thebreakaway actuator is in the breakaway position.
 11. The helmet mountapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a viewing device mountingmember attached to said second pivoting segment, said viewing devicemounting member removably attachable to the associated viewing device.12. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: saidsecond pivoting segment including said viewing device mounting memberslidably mounted thereon; and a locking and unlocking mechanism forselectively locking said viewing device mounting member at a desiredposition along said second pivoting segment to provide a generallyhorizontal fore and aft adjustment of the associated viewing devicerelative to the eyes of a user when the mounting device is in anoperational position.
 13. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 11,further comprising: a tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting a tiltposition of the associated viewing device relative to an eye of a user.14. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a hingepin defining a pivot axis and hingedly attaching said first pivotingsegment to said second pivoting segment, said hinge pin having one ormore resilient protrusions; said second pivoting segment including apivot sleeve rotatably received about said pivot pin, said pivot sleeverotatably defining a channel having a first groove extending parallel tothe pivot axis and a second groove extending parallel to the pivot axis;said one or more resilient protrusions removably received within saidfirst groove when the second pivoting segment is moved to the first,operational position; and said one or more resilient protrusionsremovably received within said second groove when the second pivotingsegment is moved to the second, stowed position.
 15. The helmet mountapparatus of claim 14, said hinge pin further including: one or morebores extending transversely relative to the pivot axis; for each ofsaid one or more bores, one or more spring washers received therein,said one or more spring washers compressible upon application of apredetermined force; and for each of said one or more bores, a plugdisposed therein between said one or more spring washers and said pivotsleeve.
 16. The helmet mount apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: amagnet pivotally carried on a pivot arm on said second pivoting segment,said pivot arm pivotable under the influence of gravity to move themagnet into proximity with a magnetically operated switch on theassociated viewing device when the associated viewing device is attachedto the second pivoting segment and the second pivoting segment is in thefirst, operational position; and said pivot arm pivotable under theinfluence of gravity to move the magnet out of proximity with themagnetically operated switch on the associated viewing device when theassociated viewing device is attached to the second pivoting segment andthe second pivoting segment is in the second, stowed position.
 17. Thehelmet mount apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: said secondpivoting segment including a mounting shoe for removably attaching acomplimentary mounting member of the associated viewing device; saidmounting shoe including an inner housing member and an outer housingmember, said inner and outer housing members defining a spacetherebetween; and said pivot arm and said magnet received within saidspace defined between said inner and outer housing members.